Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra pairs exclusive musical performances with delectable international cuisine at LACO à la carte, five intimate, elegant fundraising events during the 2018-19 season, celebrating Finland, Britain, Mexico, Israel, Japan and other nations in spectacular locations, including private homes of members of the region’s international community. The unique events, each highlighting a single country or theme, are “Finland à la carte” at the private Bel Air residence of the Consul General of Finland on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 6:30 pm; “Britain à la carte” at the private Hancock Park resident of the Consul General of Great Britain on Thursday, November 1, 2018, 6:30 pm; “Mexico & More à la carte” at the Hancock Park residence of the Consul General of Mexico on Monday, November 12, 2018, 6:30 pm; “Israel à la carte” at a luxurious private residence on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 6:30 pm; and “Japan à la carte” at Glendale’s historic Shoseian Tea Garden and Brand Library on Sunday, March 10, 2019, 11 am. Providing a decidedly cosmopolitan flair to LACO’s wide ranging musical offerings, each program includes a reception and dinner (or lunch on March 10) featuring an array of gourmet specialties and beverages of the host country or tied to the event theme, complemented by a salon performance spotlighting LACO musicians and guest artists. The LACO à la carte series, now in its tenth year, illustrates that music truly knows no boundaries. Proceeds help support the education and community engagement programs of LACO, proclaimed “America's finest chamber orchestra” by Public Radio International.

“Finland à la carte”
Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 6:30 pm
In Bel Air at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Finland
Experience the refined culture of one of the world’s northernmost countries at LACO’s “Finland à la carte,” hosted by The Honorable Stefan Lindstrom, Consul General of Finland, and his wife, Mrs. Helena Lindstromin, at their spectacular Bel Air residence. Delicious Scandinavian cuisine and specialty cocktails cap this Nordic fête, which features a musical program by LACO artists spotlighting Finland’s rich classical music tradition.

“Britain à la carte”
Thursday, November 1, 2018, 6:30 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Britain
The Honorable Michael Howells, Consul General of Britain, hosts LACO’s “Britain à la carte” in his stunning Hancock Park residence. The evening illuminates the country’s extraordinary contribution to classical musical with LACO Principal Cello Andrew Shulman, originally from the U.K. himself, leading a program that highlights some of the Great Britain’s most revered composers, followed by sumptuous meal fit for a monarch.

“Mexico & More à la carte”
Monday, November 12, 2018, 6:30 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Mexico
Warm and generous hospitality from the United States' dynamic neighbor to the south highlights “Mexico à la carte,” hosted by the Honorable Carlos Garcia de Alba, Mexico’s Consul General and Ms. Fiona Roche, in their elegant Hancock Park residence. LACO Artist Educator and noted composer Derrick Spiva Jr and LACO Cello Giovanna Clayton, who hails from Toluca, Mexico, are curating a musical program that features the diverse repertoire emerging from south of the border and its global impact. An al fresco fiesta featuring Mexican cuisine, tequila and mescal adds to the celebration.

“Israel à la carte”
Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 2018, 6:30 pm
location to be announced
The distinctive and vibrant culture of Israel, including its extraordinary musical legacy and culinary traditions, are illuminated at “Israel à la carte” (location to be announced). A nation of deep and broad musical traditions encompassing European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences, Israel has produced some of the world’s most illustrious classical music conductors, composers and artists. LACO artists pay tribute to the country’s unique musical heritage with a sumptuous meal to follow.

“Japan à la carte”
Sunday, March 10, 2019, 11 am
Glendale’s historic Shoseian Tea Garden and Brand Library
LACO takes a musical journey across the Pacific for “Japan à la carte,” held at Glendale’s historic Shoseian Tea Garden and Brand Library, one of the few traditional Japanese Teahouses open to the public in the United States. Built in 1974 by the Sister Cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka, Japan, the Teahouse was named “Shoseian” or “Whispering Pine Teahouse” by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan. Nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains beside a koi pond in a Japanese-style garden setting, the Teahouse, designated a Landmark Building by the Glendale Historical Society, is a unique blend of western and eastern aesthetics designed by architect Hayahiko Takase. Reflecting this unique location, LACO artists present a musical program that embodies cross-cultural influences followed by lunch of Japanese delicacies.

Tickets for each LACO à la carte event are $400 per person. Chef's Trio tickets, at $1,100 per person, include one ticket to three LACO à la carte evenings; Prix Fixe tickets, at $1,800 per person, include one ticket to all five LACO à la carte evenings. Tickets may be purchased by calling 213 622 7001 x 3. Details are available at www.laco.org.